Steve Hennessey, defending Bowley, said his client knew the gun wasn’t dangerous but recognised the victim was unaware.

Tom Walkling, defending Green, said she was only told about the robbery some time later.

He said: “The assistance she provided was looking after some of the proceeds for a short time and not telling police. She hasn’t prevented these men being brought to justice.”

Bowley was sent to youth custody for six years after admitting robbery, possessing a firearm and possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Myatt was given 52 months youth custody for robbery while Green was given a 12-month community order with 240 hours’ unpaid community work after admitting assisting an offender. She was also told to pay £1,200 costs.

Judge John Wait told the robbers: “You targeted a small, vulnerable take-away, the owners of which cannot afford the level of security big shops can. You committed this offence out of a lust for money, the two of you acting as a team.”

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said the force welcomed the sentences.